A pioneering British blues singer who sang with and influenced many notable British musicians, with Rod Stewart and Elton John appearing in bands led by Baldry at various stages of the 1960s. He enjoyed pop success in the UK where Let The Heartaches Begin reached No. 1 in 1967. He lived in Canada from the late 1970s until his death, where he continued to make records and do voiceover work for a number of animated films.

Nicknamed 'Long John' due to his 6ft 7in height, and gifted with a deep, rich voice, he was one of the first British vocalists to sing blues music in clubs.

In the early 1960s, he sang with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated, with whom he recorded the first British blues album in 1962, R&B at the Marquee. The Rolling Stones supported Baldry in their first concert at the Marquee Club.

In 1963, Baldry joined Cyril Davies' R&B All Stars with Jimmy Page on guitar and Nicky Hopkins playing piano. He took over the group in 1964 after Davies' death, which became Long John Baldry and his Hoochie Coochie Men featuring Rod Stewart on vocals and Geoff Bradford on guitar.

In 1965, the Hoochie Coochie Men became Steampacket with Baldry and Stewart as male vocalists, Julie Driscoll as the female vocalist and Brian Auger on Hammond organ. After Steampacket broke up in 1966, Baldry formed Bluesology featuring Elton John (then known as Reg Dwight) on keyboards and Elton Dean, later of Soft Machine, as well as Caleb Quaye on guitar.

In 1967, he recorded a pop song Let the Heartaches Begin which went to number one in the UK.

Bluesology broke up in 1968, with Baldry continuing his solo career and Elton John forming a songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin.

In 1971, Baldry released It Ain't Easy, which became his most popular album.

Baldry then suffered from mental health problems resulting in his being institutionalised. The 1979 album Baldry's Out was recorded after his release.

After spending time in New York City and Los Angeles in 1978, Baldry chose to settle permanently in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he became a Canadian citizen. He regularly toured the Canadian west coast, as well as the US Northwest.

In 1979, he teamed up with Seattle singer Kathi MacDonald to record a version of the Righteous Brothers' You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin, following which MacDonald became a permanent part of his touring group for the next two decades.

His last album was Right To Sing The Blues in 1997.

Baldry played his last live show in Columbus, Ohio, in July 2004 with guitarist Bobby Cameron. Two years previously the two had also completed a 10-venue sell-out tour of Canada together.

Long John Baldry died in July 2005, in a Vancouver hospital of a severe chest infection.